David Bowie, Shine On

The news that David Bowie has died at age 69 has saddened people worldwide. He profoundly influenced musicians, fashion designers, and countless teenage kids who felt they were “weird” until they encountered his work. And he collaborated successfully with many other artists, including Brian Eno, Mick Jagger, and John Lennon,

Bowie and John joined forces on the song “Fame,” released in 1975, and were friends throughout the 70s. Today Yoko Ono paid tribute to Bowie, writing that “After John died, David was always there for Sean and me. When Sean was at boarding school in Switzerland, David would pick him up and take him on trips to museums and let Sean hang out at his recording studio in Geneva. For Sean, this is losing another father figure. It will be hard for him, I know. But we have some sweet memories which will stay with us forever.”

Paul McCartney posted: “Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together. His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and will always remember the great laughs we had through the years. His star will shine in the sky forever.”

6 Comments

ivan diaz aka marc bolan; From a fan of over 30yrs. And counting.i will see you in the next life.god bless Mr.Bowie.thank you for the unlimited goldmine of music you have left behind.thank you dear god for this musical genius.it was a geeat blessing to have him here on this planet for the short time

We’ve mentioned many times here the glorious connection of the Beatles with Comedy. One beautiful thing about David (in addition to his phenomenal songwriting and performing talent) was his ability to be funny as hell. He was the Fred Astaire of rock, and his humor was always subtle and fresh:

Billy Bragg on David Bowie and Alan Rickman:
.“It’s not only the timing of his death and the fact that he too was 69 that links him to David Bowie. Both were working class kids from council estates who went to art school where they gained enough confidence in their own creativity that they were able to go on to find fame and fortune. Is it still possible for working class kids to realize their potential in such a way? The art schools are almost gone; those that survive now charge a fortune. The social mobility that Rickman and Bowie experienced is increasingly stifled.”

David Bowie’s ashes will be scattered near his 50-acre mountain home in Woodstock, where the rock legend spent his final days, according to a British tabloid.

The Sun said Bowie, who died of cancer Jan. 10 at the age of 69, had purchased the retreat as his health problems mounted. He battled cancer the last 18 months of his life.

“After decades of frenetic city living, David finally found peace in the mountains, and that’s where I am sure some of his remains will go,” a friend told The Sun. “David was very private in life and intended to remain so in death. But you can rest assured he told his family exactly where he wanted his ashes scattered.”

The tabloid said Bowie wanted no funeral or memorial; he just wanted to leave Blackstar, his final album, as his legacy.